Russia, China use veto to extend aid to Syria

The United Nations Security Council resolution to extend humanitarian aid for one year to the four million people of violence-hit Syria has been blocked by Russia and China using a veto. Currently, humanitarian aid in Syria is routed through United Nations investigative centers and does not require the approval of the Bashar al-Assad government.

13 members in support

The existing facility is expiring on January 10 next year. Germany, Belgium and Kuwait moved resolutions in the Security Council to extend this period. The proposal had the support of 13 members of the council, but Russia and China vetoed it. In this regard, Russia had also proposed a proposal to reduce the number of UN Centers of Inquiry and allow for an extension of six months.

However this proposal received only nine votes. Russia is a close and prominent supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Since the civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, Russia has used the veto 14 times on Syria-related issues.